r/DumpsterDiving • u/Consistent-Offer-989 • 19h ago
New to dumpster diving- my lessons learned
I saw everyone’s posts about going to JT Less yesterday- just so happens I needed to make a return there today and thought I’d take a quick peek. I got all of this stuff around noon today (Saturday) and did not bring any equipment with me as it was an impulse decision I made while in the check-out line. I’ve only DD’d a couple of other times with little luck in other stores and am hoping to learn more and go more often when I have the time and more proper equipment. This is my haul from today (only spent about 5 minutes there).
After sanitizing everything, and sorting out things that are broken, I am left with: A working mug and mug warmer (said NOT working on the box- guess what babe it works great ☺️) An essential oil diffuser A tension shower curtain rod A nice white nightstand/side table (a few minor blemishes and the bottom comes off of the pegs, but will be good as new with some wood glue) Lazy Susan and ramekin set A nice wooden cutting board One really cute glass mug (set of 2- one was broken) 3 new glass storage canisters (set of 4- one was broken) 1 really cute bowl (set of 3, 2 broken) Christmas tree shaped glass honey jar (says it has the stir rod but it is missing) 2 garden art angels, minor blemishes/cracks Brand new 10-ft long USB-C cord Shiatsu Deep Tissue Vibration Foot Massager (box has a little ding) Christmas Themed Sugar and creamer set (the top of the sugar canister is missing) Small trampoline in the box 2 dog treat makers (not pictured) Small lamp (haven’t seen if it works yet)
I am astounded and what these big stores will just throw away. I know none of these things are essentials for people but it just shows that consumerism runs rampant in this country with no regard for the environmental toll it takes. I bet there were tons of other cool things I left behind there, however it was getting pretty dangerous because the more I dug the more glass and ceramic items I found that were broken. I cut myself a small bit on my thumb, washed it off really well and put neosporin/bandaid on it when I got home. My coat and my car all have a faint but unmistakable smell of buttered croissants from my adventure now 🤷♀️
Be prepared Bring your safety equipment (like I foolishly didn’t) to minimize injury and sickness Down with big companies
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u/airconditionersound 17h ago
"Consumerism runs rampant with no regard for the environmental toll it takes"
Also the human toll. Lots of human rights abuses go into making these products, including enslavement, other forms of forcer labor, child labor, and working conditions that cause injuries and serious health problems.
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u/SirkillzAhlot 1m ago
You’re right of course. But man am I tired of thinking about problems that are seemingly impossible to solve because I am so tiny.
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u/Netflxnschill 16h ago
I saw that post too and went to mine, they literally have a giant metal chute from the back of their store all the way into the dumpster. No point of access at all. I’m glad you found more stuff!
I completely agree about the consumerism, it seems like they could easily price this stuff at a dollar or something and see it go out the front door but instead just keep the prices high and throw shit out.
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u/gooberdaisy 18h ago
My dad used to dumpster dive all the time I always thought it was a disgusting thing to do (granted he would grab things that were worthless) but one time he saved about 6 old school typewriters and I still have them today. Just wish my anxiety with germs and police not hinder me to try 😅
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u/seeseabee 9h ago
Do the police actually care about people grabbing stuff that was thrown away?
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u/gooberdaisy 8h ago
It depends I guess on the person and if the cop is having a bad day. My husband works in a high security job and I don’t want to risk issues if I get charged for “theft” or some bull crap digging for treasure.
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u/hundredsandthousand 1h ago
Same here haha. I also worked in a shop once and think about the stuff that we threw away and how some of it might look totally fine but there were reasons we binned it. Like one time I found maggots all over a slab of tuna cans.
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u/Von_Moistus 13h ago
I cut myself a small bit on my thumb
That’s how we get ya. Diving is in your blood now
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u/ProgressiveKitten 16h ago
I went to mine last night for the same reason and no luck. Found a Halloween dress that they cut up but that's it. I took it for the fabric.
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19h ago
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u/ReleaseExpensive7330 19h ago
In two weeks: Managers, we've seen an increase in dumpster diving activity please make sure to destroy all merchandise.
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u/Responsible_Tip_8024 19h ago
That’s why I’m asking people to spell the stores wrong so it doesn’t catch attention. Some dude gave me such attitude about it and said it’s not a rule here. 😑
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u/ReleaseExpensive7330 18h ago
They are probably making a bunch of money and worried you're going to put that at risk. I've only been loosely following but wondered why OP spelled it wrong. I did a Google search for JT Less lol.
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u/Ms_Hastings 17h ago
Can I ask where you live? I live in New Mexico and I don’t think I’d have much luck
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u/3leggedsasquatch 14h ago
Lucky ducky….. all these kinds of stores anywhere in my area have compactors. You did a great job!
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u/Mako-Energy 14h ago
Are your knobs even on all the cabinets? o_o;
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u/Consistent-Offer-989 14h ago
Hell no. It was a redo by me and our house is old as hell so not perfect. Whoops 🤷♀️
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u/ContemplatingFolly 19h ago
The buttered-croissant scent of victory! Beautiful cutting boards and amazing haul.